The diminishing role of the major record labels in current recorded music and corresponding increasing influence and importance of grassroots artist activities such as live performances and direct online relationships with fans.

The decline of CD sales as alternate online music services such as Spotify continue to flourish.

In 2010, country pop crossover superstar Taylor Swift released a song titled Mean which is rumored to be about Lefsetz and his critical review about her performance at the 52nd Grammy Awards with rock and roll legend Stevie Nicks.